Can you leave an Intex pool up all winter?
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No matter how easy a pool is in terms of maintenance, you still have to put in a little effort when the weather starts to get cold.
It doesn't take a lot of work to winterize Intex pools.You can tuck your pool away for the season if you plan ahead.You don't want to risk damaging your pool by skipping out on this end-of- summer chore.
When you close or winterize an inground or regular above ground pool, you remove equipment or dry out pipes that can be damaged by freezing temperatures.Adding extra chemicals to your water is one way you can keep your pool free of mold andbacteria during the winter.
It's a little different to winterize an Intex pool.The difference between having a pool next summer and having to buy a new one is because they are partially inflatable.
The lightweight materials make it easy to set up a pool.The pool is more vulnerable to ice damage.Your pool lining can be damaged if you leave your pool out in the cold.That is a mess you don't want to clean up.If the damage is bad enough, you won't be able to fix it.
If the temperatures in your area drop to or below 41F (5C), you should drain and disassemble your pool.And so do we.We don't want your winter to be ruined by a pool collapse.
The best way to prevent ice damage is to store your pool well.It is more than just getting ahead on this chore.Procrastination can really trip you up.
If you get a weather alert about a cold front, you may not have time to close your pool.
Intex pools are made to be drained with a garden hose.It is a small amount of space for a lot of water, especially if you have a larger model.Plan for the process to take a few days.
We understand.It takes a lot of time to break down and set up your Intex pool.If you want to winterize your pool, you can.If you want to avoid ruining your pool for the sake of skipping the chore of closing it, remember how vulnerable they are to ice damage.
If you live in a region with a warm climate and mild winters, you can close your pool without breaking it.
The supplies needed to winterize Intex pools will be different depending on the climate.Warm means you are above that year-round.
Your owner's manual is the first item on your tool list.Don't worry if yours is lost in the garage.You can download it from the website.
If you use an Intex salt water system, you can use the breakdown instructions without any changes for storing your pool.Make sure the winterizing chemicals you use are compatible with the salt water pools in your pool.
This is kind of like cooking with a slow cooker, but it might seem like a lot to do.You will be ready for winter in a couple of days, but you won't have to be active the whole time.
If you want to keep your pipes free of debris, you should thoroughly clean your water and vacuum the sides and bottom of your pool.
Instructions for disposing of swimming pool water can be found in your city or county.If you drain down a storm drain or into your yard, you should always check to make sure you don't harm the environment or your own property.
Remove the attached accessories from the pool.Before storing in a dry area for the winter, you need to clean and dry the parts.If your strainer grid is dirty or filled with gunk, it's time to replace it.
If you have inflatable parts, make sure they are inflated correctly.The sides and bottom of the pool should be vacuumed.You don't want anything gross stewing until the spring because it will be sitting covered for several months.
Balance the water chemistry if you have decided not to drain your pool.Shoot for a total alkalinity between 100 and 150 parts per million.The warm weather instructions are in step 5.
Our step-by-step video course will teach you how to close and winterize your pool.Works for inground and above ground pools.
The same draining instructions apply if you have an inflatable or metal frame.Make sure the drain plug is plugged in by checking the inside of the pool.Don't plug it in.The water will take care of it.
Find the drain plug.It's one of the few parts you didn't need when you set up your pool, so hopefully you've kept it in a safe spot.Attach the female end of the hose to the drain.The female end of the hose is what you attach to the faucet or spigot.
The other end of the hose should be pointed away from your house and any other structures.If the water is not directed away from the structures, it can cause serious structural damage.
Remove the cap from the drain valve, but don't attach it just yet.If you don't make a last check to make sure your hose is in the right position, the pool will start to drain.
Push the drain connector into the valve when you are sure everything is set.The water will begin to flow when the inner drain plug is disrupted.The valve should not come loose while it is being drained.
A big pool means a long drain time.It is advisable to check on the progress of your pool occasionally.
While the pool is draining, keep an eye on the hose to make sure it doesn't move and stay away from your home and other structures.
It is a good time to start cleaning.As the water level goes down, you can use a mild all-purpose cleaner and soft cloth to clean the pool walls.
Do not use strong or abrasive cleaners on your lining.They can damage it and cost you more money to fix it.
The water will eventually reach a point where it is not able to reach the drain.Lift the side of the pool away from the drain to help the rest.
Add winterizing chemicals to the water.Slow release chemicals can be used to winterize Intex pools.Extra shock and an algaecide can be added to the water.
The inside drain plug and the outside drain valve cap need to be replaced before the garden hose can be removed.The best way to store parts is to fold them up along the wall.
Plug in the inlet and outlet fitting to the inside of the pool wall is what you need for your pool model.Refer to your owner's manual if you're unsure how to do this.
Use a soft cloth, warm water, and mild cleaner to wipe down the inside of your pool.Take care to rinse and drain any leftover water.
If your model has a frame, take it down.Before storing in a dry and secure location, the frame pieces need to be cleaned and dry.
Allow your liner to dry completely.Once the water has evaporated, sprinkle a little talcum powder or cornstarch on the liner to absorb leftover water and prevent excessive sticking.
Do you like folding fitted sheets?Since your goal is to fold a circle into a rough square, it's kind of like that.This can be done with a little practice and know-how.
Refer to your owner's manual if you prefer visual aid.You can keep the liner in its original packaging if you fold it.
Let's be honest.If you don't know how to fold a fitted sheet, folding your pool liner into a square that fits in its original packaging is an Olympic sport.If you aren't worried about medaling in that event, just fold the liner as neatly as you can, and put it away without taking up too much space.There was no judgement.
It's a bad idea to leave water in your pump and filters.
Make sure all the water is out of your accessories, clean them up, and store them in a dry area.
It is not worth the effort to clean and reuse your Intex pool filters because they are incredibly affordable.Make sure you have replacements on hand.
If you want to do your part for the environment and get as much use out of it as possible, you can use a filter cleaner on it.It's time to replace if you can't get it clean anymore.
In a dry area that is not exposed to freezing temperatures, keep your liner, frame, pump, and filter hoses indoors.
To make setup easier next season, make sure you keep all of your equipment together.
Turn off your pump and filters.The hoses should be removed from the pool as well.The pump, filter chamber, and their hoses need to be cleaned and drained.Before storing indoors, make sure they are completely dry.
If you want to keep leaves and dirt out of your pool, cover it.Your pool is officially winterized once that is done.When you get a lot of rain, be sure to clear any standing water from the cover.
Intex pool covers are not pool safety covers, which means they won't keep animals or children out of the pool.Appropriate measures should be taken to prevent accidents.
It might seem like a lot of work now, but properly winterizing your Intex pool can save you stress later.You won't have to worry about ice damage ruining your pool.
You can get your yard back for more weather-appropriate activities like jumping in piles of leaves and staging massive snowball fights.If you have extra space and peace of mind, you will want to keep your Intex pool away from the cold winter months.
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You're just asking for damage to the cover and your pool when you see snow on it.It is easy to avoid.